By: Daure David
The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic growth, fiscal stability and improved service delivery with the signing into law of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
The budget, which amounts to ₦877,022,907,900, authorises expenditure from the State’s Consolidated Revenue Fund for the 2026 fiscal year and takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Governor Mohammed assented to the bill on Tuesday at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Bauchi, in the presence of the leadership and members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman.
Speaking shortly after signing the bill into law, the Governor described the occasion as a significant constitutional milestone, marking the formal commencement of the implementation of the 2026 Budget. He recalled that the original proposal of ₦878.15 billion, presented to the House on November 27, 2025, underwent extensive legislative scrutiny before final approval.
According to him, the Assembly’s review resulted in a reduction of about ₦1.1 billion, achieved mainly through modest adjustments to recurrent expenditure without affecting capital projects. He described the outcome as evidence of fiscal discipline, institutional independence and a shared commitment to protecting public interest.
Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed commended the House of Assembly for what he termed a robust, objective and non-partisan legislative process, noting that the cooperation between the Executive and Legislature since 2019 has contributed significantly to effective governance in the state.
He also praised opposition lawmakers for what he described as their constructive engagement and maturity, stressing that governance must always take precedence over partisan considerations.
The Governor explained that the 2026 Budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” builds on the achievements of his administration over the last six years, including expanded access to social services, improved infrastructure and reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and the overall quality of life of Bauchi residents.
He disclosed that about 79 per cent of the 2025 Budget has been implemented, describing the performance as one of the highest across states in the country. He assured that the 2026 fiscal plan would consolidate these gains through sustained investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, security and social services, while ensuring balanced development across all sectors.
Governor Mohammed further noted that the 2026 Budget represents the final full-cycle budget of his two-term administration, directing members of the State Executive Council as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure full, faithful and timely implementation.
Earlier, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, said the 2026 Appropriation Law was the outcome of an inclusive and transparent process, involving budget defence sessions, stakeholder engagements and rigorous committee oversight.
He explained that the House carefully examined revenue projections, recurrent and capital expenditures, while prioritising key sectors such as transportation, security, infrastructure and social welfare.
However, the Speaker expressed concerns over the realism of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) projections, particularly in light of anticipated federal tax reforms. He said these concerns informed the legislature’s decision to slightly reduce the overall budget size.
Rt. Hon. Sulaiman also outlined several recommendations aimed at improving budget implementation, including strict adherence to fiscal responsibility laws, capacity building for MDAs, sanctions against extra-budgetary spending, timely release of funds, and strengthened audit and procurement systems.
In recognition of the Governor’s cooperation and respect for legislative independence, the House resolved to issue him a Letter of Commendation, while reaffirming its commitment to rigorous oversight throughout the 2026 budget cycle.
Governor Bala Mohammed, in his closing remarks, assured the people of Bauchi State that his administration would continue to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and responsible governance, as it works to deliver the objectives of the 2026 Budget for the overall development and stability of the state.
